Ray's New Practical Arithmetic (1870? Hardcover)



Joseph Ray (1807-1855) was a medical doctor, educator and a self-taught mathematician. His mathematics texts were among the most popular and widely used American mathematics textbooks of the nineteenth century.


Dr. Ray taught mathematics for Woodward High School (later College) in Cincinnati, Ohio from its inception in 1831. The success of his "eclectic" math texts would be exceeded only by his fellow teacher at Woodward, William Holmes McGuffey, with his McGuffey Readers.

More than fifty titles (including revised editions) appeared in Ray's Mathematical Series over the years, but the core of the series consisted of six books: Primary Arithmetic, Intellectual Arithmetic, Practical Arithmetic, Higher Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, and Higher Algebra. The earliest titles were originally published by the firm of Truman & Smith. Cincinnati, Ohio. Publication dates were as early as 1834. New and revised editions were issued under his name well beyond his lifetime, as part of the Ray Mathematics Series, even as late as 1913.


The popularity of the textbooks may be attributed to their moral emphasis. Story problems in these textbooks portray honest, hard-working men and women on the frontier, plowing fields, planting and harvesting crops, building walls, or buying and selling goods. Problems about boys and girls characterize them as industrious and generous, sharing food and possessions with each other. In one problem a boy receives a reward for returning a purse to its rightful owner.


This copy has been used as a textbook by several students and traveled back & forth many times between school & home. Lettering and designs are worn off of front cover, leather spine loosely attached to light blue paper covers. Prior owner names, threats if this copy stolen, and doodles cover rear end-papers. Front end-papers, including title page & preface, have become detached and lost. Text starts with Table of Contents and appears complete thereafter. Pages are stained and fragile, although still loosely bound in order.



No copyright nor publication data available for this copy. Cannot establish this copy's publisher, so original publisher is optimistically listed. From the 80 year range of print dates, I would suggest this copy printed after Dr. Ray's death, I est. 1870, to account for "New" in title. Of course, no ISBN, LCCN nor MSR.



Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:


Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...


Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.


Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.


Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.


Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure

someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)


Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).


Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.


1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.


Thanks for looking!